The Top 5 Questions Albany, CA Homeowners Ask about Replacement Doors and Windows

Living in Albany, California provides you with a number of benefits that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. You have high standards and expect the best, not only from yourself but from any products that you choose for your home. You also have gotten into the habit of making sure that you understand everything about items you are purchasing for your home, whether you were considering a kitchen renovation, planning on remodeling your bathroom, or doing another major home improvement project.

When it comes to replacement windows and doors, there may be a number of questions that come to mind that, if not answered, can cause you to hesitate or decide that it is not worth it for you at this time.

Essentially, if your current windows or at least 15 years old, then it is well past time to consider getting replacement windows. If your entry doors are 15 to 20 years old, then your home can benefit from replacement doors.

Below are the top five questions that many homeowners ask when they begin the process of searching for replacement doors and windows.

1.Can I afford them?

This is a question that is going to depend on several different factors for the particular homeowner asking it. Replacement doors and windows should be considered a significant home improvement project. However, far too many people dismiss the prospect of taking advantage of such an opportunity.

They see the windows in their home and recognize that the condition is poor, or they know that their front door is wearing out, but as long as it closes they don’t see an absolute need to replace it at this time.

If they do decide to replace their doors and windows, they may tend to underestimate how much they should invest in this home improvement project.

How much you can afford for replacement doors or windows is certainly going to be different than what somebody else can afford. However, consider this: the average investment that homeowners make when it comes to a kitchen renovation is $30,000. That kitchen renovation will not only improve the comfort of their home, but it can also impact the value of their house.

Replacement windows and doors can also have the same impact on home’s value. However, most homeowners look at spending only $2,000 to $3,000 on their replacement windows and a few hundred dollars on the front door, and even less on other entry doors.

You can certainly find replacement windows and doors that will fit this kind of budget, but when they are installed, you will know that you ended up purchasing the cheapest possible ones you could find.

If you don’t believe that you can afford quality windows or doors for your entire house, it is best to focus on replacing the windows or front door in one section of your house at a time.

2. Is it worth the investment?

Asking whether something is worth the investment means that you understand the term “investment.” An investment is money that you put into something with the expectation of getting a return in the future.

When you invest in replacement windows or doors, you will get money back in the form of energy savings and increased home value. That is, assuming you invest in the right type of windows and doors.

Completely replacing old windows and doors in a house is one of the few projects that will actually increase the value of your home. Whether you determine that this is a worthy investment or not is certainly up to you, but most homeowners that make a proper investment in quality windows and doors appreciate the increased value of their home. They also get to be more comfortable living there.

3.Should I hire an independent installer?

This question is common for homeowners because once they have invested in brand new replacement windows or doors, they try to find ways to save money on the installation process. They get a quote from the company from which they purchased these products, and then decide to go on their own to hire an independent contractor.

Most independent contractors are not going to be certified to install the particular brand of window or door that you purchase. If they are not certified, then the manufacturer may not honor the warranty on those windows or doors. That is a critical component.

If something goes wrong with your windows after they are installed, you could be on the hook to pay for any and all repairs, which could include having to purchase a completely new window. It is not worth trying to hire an independent installer just to save a few dollars when you can have a qualified, experienced, and certified installer who is licensed, insured, and bonded installing your brand new doors and windows.

4. Why shouldn’t I get the cheap windows and doors?

You can certainly go to your home improvement superstore and purchase very inexpensive replacement doors and windows. This can be great for your wallet and your bank account, but it is going to do nothing to improve the value of your home, and once they are installed you are going to notice just how cheaply they are built.

It is certainly up to you to determine whether cheap windows and doors are a good option for you, but when you only get one opportunity every 15 to 20 years to increase the value of your home and make it even more comfortable by simply replacing the windows and doors, it seems that you would want to make a much better decision an investment by choosing higher quality products.

5.What is energy efficient about windows and doors?

There are many aspects that go into energy efficiency when it comes to replacement doors and windows. The materials is one. The construction is another. It’s best to sit down and talk to an experienced, professional window and door expert to have him or her explain all of the details about energy efficiency, including glazing, low E coating for windows, and specific insulation within the door or window frames.

If you have any other questions about replacement doors or windows, contact a-Taylor Made Windows today.